Jarwen Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 I am a senior in a town where a college education means nothing. The only jobs around here are for people who want to work hard or not work at all. I figured if I was going to work hard, I wanted to do something that I enjoy. I've put together knives and such but I have to use blades already made. Some of the people around here enjoy some of my creations, but I want to go even further. If anybody can give me some advice on anything to do with forging blades of any kind, it would be greatly appreciated!!! My E-Mail is bladesmithsapprentice@yahoo.com. Thanks much!!! Proceed as the way opens... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest German Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 Well I would say start with the basics. Don't try to get ahead of yourself. A good start is researching basic metallurgy and heat treating. Research handle materials, leather carving, forges, etc. and decide what tools you want to invest in. I've seen more than one person buy a $2500.00 grinder only to find that it takes at lest a good year until you are proficient with it (no you don't need one to make knives). I've seen many "hardly used" grinders for sale. Don has a section on books. I've bought many books, apprenticed under a knifemaker, and have been to the library for the advanced metallurgy books. Reading the recent posts on austempering has still taught me more. I don't know your background but I would also say visit a couple of knifemakers who use different methods to make their blades. Every time I visit a maker I learn something. Attend some shows. Decide what methods interest you and suit your abilities. Invest slowly from there. Never stop trying to learn more. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kristopher Skelton Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 I was just hipped to www.livelyknives.com and I'm shaking my fist in the air that I didn't see it sooner. coal forge from a 10 gallon galvanized tub and a piece of iron pipe?! How cool is that? the 2 hour knifemaking DVD is pretty impressive looking and I've heard good things, so I just ordered it. The site is definitely worth a thorough read. And don't forget the library of info that's available here and on the main site, www.dfoggknives.com Kristopher Skelton, M.A. "There was never a good knife made from bad steel" A quiet person will perish ~ Basotho Proverb Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Perkins Posted May 21, 2005 Share Posted May 21, 2005 Read a basic bladesmithing book by Jim Hrouslas (sp?) and the "Modern Edge of the Anvil". Go to anvilfire.com and read everything they have to offer. Read EVERYTHING on this site. Check out Ron Reil's site if you're interested in making your own forge/ understanding burner mechanics. Lastly, try E-Bay if you want to get basic tools for cheap. There's a seller online, by the name of Scharabo, I think, who has a store through ebay called "Poor Boy Tools". His stuff isn't the best quality, but it's also not bad at all. Very suitable for a beginner. And I found the seller to be very honest, helpful, and easy to get hold of. Even though I haven't bought anything from him for a while, I still occasionally email him if I have questions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts